Joyful Motherhood in a Rural Family

At the moment, the Gan Mansion was brightly lit and bustling with activity.

When a fourth-rank official returned to his hometown, even if he kept a low profile, it would still attract numerous local gentry to visit.

Not to mention the endless big and small banquets held by the Gan Family for the elders.

When Liu Sisi and Di Yelei arrived, the gatekeeper immediately greeted them as soon as he saw them.

“It turns out that it’s Eldest Miss who has come back. Old Master has been waiting in the front hall for a long time. Please come inside, Miss and son-in-law.”

“Understood.”

The two didn’t hesitate, handed the reins of their jujube red horses to the gatekeeper, and quickly entered the front hall.

Before they walked in, they heard a burst of hearty laughter, and a middle-aged man strode out from inside. It was Lord Gan Jiayou, the fourth-rank Assistant Minister!

Liu Sisi looked up and saw a man wearing a fur hat adorned with a crown of beads, a well-tailored dark blue silk brocade jacket over a hemp-colored ramie robe, and a white jade belt around his waist. He had a goat beard, and although there were slight wrinkles at the corners of his mouth and eyelids, they added a mature and masculine charm to him.

His thick eyebrows flew into his hair bun, and his two eyes were bright and spirited. His actions exuded an extraordinary air that set him apart from ordinary people.

And behind him, there was a familiar face, none other than Gan Miaoruo.

At a casual glance, his gaze fell on Liu Sisi and Di Yelei, with a booming laugh!

“I heard from the servants that my daughter Sisi is returning to her mother’s home today. I, the Official, couldn’t wait, so I came out to have a look. As expected, you both are good children.”

Liu Sisi also showed a warm smile, quickly stepped forward and bowed down in front of Lord Gan, “Sisi, along with her husband Ye Lei, greets Father.”

Di Yelei also quickly kowtowed, “Ye Lei pays his respects to Lord Father-in-law!”

“Good, very good! Sisi, please get up, dear son-in-law, please get up. Come, come, let’s talk inside!”

Gan Jiayou was indeed a fourth-rank official, with proper etiquette in every movement.

“Elder Sister, you are late today!”

Gan Miaoruo came forward, holding Liu Sisi’s hand with a smile sweet enough to drip honey.

“Ruo Ruo, it’s my fault, I really arrived late today. I hope Father can forgive me.”

Liu Sisi said softly, also holding Gan Miaoruo’s hand in return.

Although she only gently held her hand, Liu Sisi sensitively noticed that Gan Miaoruo’s hand trembled slightly, as if instinctively wanting to avoid her touch, but she stopped in time.

The two walked hand in hand ahead, while Liu Sisi followed behind, holding up her skirt and Gan Miaoruo’s hand. This scene, witnessed by everyone in the front hall, drew praise for their filial piety and sisterly affection.

Once in the hall, the guests were divided by gender and seated. Naturally, Liu Sisi’s seat was at the right hand of Old Madam Gan, next to Gan Miaoruo.

This seating arrangement made Liu Sisi shiver inexplicably, but she managed to steady herself in time.

Looking at Liu Sisi, Old Madam Gan smiled gently, “This is my newly acknowledged granddaughter Liu Sisi. Sisi is virtuous and gentle, modest and quiet, which pleases me very much. Come, let everyone get acquainted. Here are Third Aunt Jin, Fourth Aunt Lv, and Ninth Aunt Qian. You, concubines, come and pay respects to Eldest Miss.”

Liu Sisi originally intended to kowtow, but she was suddenly reminded by Old Madam Gan’s words, a chill running down her spine, and inexplicably breaking out in a cold sweat.

How could she have forgotten that these ladies were likely the concubines her father-in-law brought back from the capital city? In a wealthy family, concubines should pay their respects to the misses. If she had really bowed just now, it would have been an embarrassment for more than just herself!

Liu Sisi looked up and saw the deep eyes of Old Madam Gan. Especially the slightly upturned corners of Gan Miaoruo’s mouth at the lower end of the table, which made Liu Sisi feel extremely humiliated!

Several concubines naturally lined up and paid their respects: “We concubines greet Eldest Miss!”

“Several aunts, please rise, Sisi is ashamed.”

Liu Sisi hurriedly returned the courtesy with a half bow.

Then, she paid respects to several relatives, which almost made Liu Sisi’s head spin!

Thankfully, when the male guests started eating, Old Madam Gan finally let Liu Sisi go, and everyone ate quietly. The dishes at Gan Mansion were exceptionally delicious, showing that the Head Chef was truly extraordinary. However, Liu Sisi didn’t enjoy the taste, and casually used her bamboo chopsticks a few times. When Old Madam Gan put down her chopsticks, she followed the others and stopped eating.

At the moment when bowls and chopsticks were replaced with fragrant tea, Gan Miaoruo wound her arm around Liu Sisi’s, smiling at Old Madam Gan.

“Grandmother, Ruo Ruo remembered that she has a gift to give to Eldest Sister. We’ll go play for a while and come back soon.”

“Ruo Ruo… You’re being unruly again!”

Although Old Madam Gan’s words were scolding Gan Miaoruo, her affectionate tone changed the expressions of many people nearby.

“No! Grandmother… Ruo Ruo will just take Eldest Sister for a little while, it won’t be long! Let’s go, Eldest Sister, let’s go!”

While speaking, she didn’t care about the embarrassment on Liu Sisi’s face and dragged her out of the front hall.

When they reached the small pavilion where Gan Miaoruo used to learn, she waved everyone away, and then released Liu Sisi’s arm, leaning against a pillar with her arms crossed and a face full of contempt.

“Alright! There are no outsiders here, you can stop your disgusting act!”

Gan Miaoruo’s words were naturally unpleasant.

“Ruo Ruo, what’s wrong? Do you have some misunderstanding about me?”

Liu Sisi took a deep breath, then slowly walked to her side and sat down with her in the pavilion.

Gan Miaoruo flicked her hand and directly shook off Liu Sisi’s hand.

“Let me go! Don’t face me with that fake pretense! I hate you! I hate you, hmph!”

“Why do you hate me?” Liu Sisi raised an eyebrow.

Gan Miaoruo pursed her lips and didn’t speak for a long time. Liu Sisi was also very patient, not saying a word. The two sat in silence, neither willing to give in.

It wasn’t until the darkness deepened that Liu Sisi sighed and got up, turning to walk outside the pavilion.

“Hey! You… Why are you leaving?”

Behind her, Gan Miaoruo couldn’t help but speak.

Liu Sisi didn’t turn her head, but paused as requested.

“I am not called ‘hey’! Also, a teacher for a day is a father for life. As your teacher, I accept, but as the so-called Eldest Sister in your mouth, I Liu Sisi refuse!”

“Why? You don’t want to be my Eldest Sister, why don’t you tell my grandmother, why…?”

Gan Miaoruo asked curiously.

“Why? Haha, you tell me why?”

Liu Sisi suddenly turned her head, took two steps towards Gan Miaoruo, and her face appeared gloomy under the reflection of the large red lantern: “You should ask your grandmother, right? Don’t you already have an answer in your heart? Why should I say it?”